Sensitive urban design

Bruce Henderson Architects was engaged to investigate possible design outcomes for a number of small adjacent retail sites in Glenhuntly Road, the main retail strip of Elsternwick. The result is an integrated and sensitive addition to the streetscape.

Problem solving through collaboration

The site featured a relatively small street frontage for its deep aspect. An additional challenge was created by the need for retention of the heritage-listed shopfront which occupies much of the Glenhuntly Road frontage.

Through detailed and careful consultation with Ratio Consultants (Planning), David Lock & Associates (Urban Design) and Bryce Raworth (Heritage), a carefully integrated and sensitive design solution was conceived.

Using lightwells along each side of the building, internal secondary frontages were created for the apartments. This has the effect of bringing light and natural ventilation to deep within the block. By wrapping apartments around these lightwells, a high level of dual-aspect and cross-ventilation (around 70%) is achieved to apartments which would otherwise receive little internal natural light.

A considered residential and retail development

The apartment plans are custom-designed to their location within the building, with rooms carefully considered to take advantage of natural light and provide a sense of openness upon entry. Kitchen and bathroom designs are also bespoke to particular units to ensure the most efficient use of internal space.

A stepped design, with a sense of scale

The building form gradually sets back as it ascends in a series of step-like forms, enabling it to reside comfortably in the two-storey scale retail development without its upper floors overwhelming the more modest scale of the street environment.

The upper floors are clad in a simple and understated combination of glazed façade and stepped series of external fins. This allows the building to be read as a clean series of volumes which sit as a quiet and elegant assembly above the highly-articulated detail of the heritage façade.